We will be visiting Shanghai in March and would like some guidance as to the ancient water towns for day trips from Shanghai. I would take public transportation should I get a local guide or can I do it myself.

Near Shijiazhuang

We'll be at the Victoria Hotel in Shijiazhuang in September and have a budget on TIME. We intend to arrive in the afternoon and check into our hotel, then leave as early as possible the next day to go to see Cangyanshan temple area, and be back to town in time to catch a fast train to Bejing. I heard you can take a bus, or you can hire a taxi for the day. Questions: what is the updated bus schedule (first one to leave, and then also for the ride back) and where is the bus station in Shijiazhuang? Can you give me info on hiring a taxi for the day? Do they really sit and wait for you to explore the site and take you back or do you need to track down another one when you want to come back? Also, where is the memorial/tomb for Norman Bethune in relation to our hotel? We wish to pay our respects.